Air-Frying Chicken Thighs: Timing For Perfect Results

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal to make for the family. The air fryer is a great way to achieve succulent meat with a delicious crispy skin. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces, whether they have bones, and the model of the air fryer. The best way to tell if your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should be cooked to 165°F measured at the thickest part, not touching the bone.

Bone-in vs boneless chicken thighs

Cooking Time

Bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs. This is because bone-in chickens are thicker and the bone also conducts heat, resulting in a longer cooking time. Boneless chicken thighs are thinner and cook faster.

Doneness

To check if your chicken thighs are cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Seasoning

When seasoning chicken thighs, it is important to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed. For bone-in chicken thighs, you can place the seasoning in a large zip-top bag, add the chicken, and shake to coat. For boneless chicken thighs, you can simply toss the chicken with the seasoning in a bowl.

Crispy Skin

If you want crispy skin on your chicken thighs, it is recommended to cook them skin-side down first. This allows the skin to render the fat without browning too much. You can then flip them over and cook until the skin is nice and crispy.

Sides

Air fryer chicken thighs go well with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:

• Cauliflower Mac and cheese
• Keto green beans with bacon
• Broccoli salad
• Roasted potatoes and carrots
• Air fryer baked potatoes
• Crockpot Mac and cheese

Marinating the chicken

The length of time you choose to marinate the chicken will depend on how much time you have. Ideally, chicken should be marinated for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse the meat. However, for the best results, it is recommended to marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours. If you're looking to save time, you can skip the marinating process altogether and simply season the chicken with salt and pepper before placing it in the air fryer.

When it comes to the marinade, there are endless possibilities and variations to choose from. A simple yet effective marinade can be made using olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs. For a more complex flavour profile, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can use a combination of Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, freshly chopped herbs, and minced garlic for a sugar-free option.

It is important to note that marinating the chicken for too long can have negative effects. Leaving the chicken in the marinade for more than 12 hours may cause the meat to break down and become mushy. Therefore, it is crucial to plan accordingly and allow for sufficient marinating time without exceeding the recommended duration.

Once you've prepared your marinade and added the chicken, place the container in the refrigerator. This will help the flavours infuse into the meat while keeping the chicken at a safe temperature.

After the desired marinating time has passed, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This step is important as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly.

Now that your chicken has been properly marinated, you can proceed with the cooking process. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 370°F to 400°F, and place the chicken inside. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, but on average, they should be cooked for around 10 to 12 minutes on each side.

By following these steps and allowing sufficient time for marinating, you will end up with juicy, flavourful chicken thighs cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken thighs in an air fryer will depend on a few factors, including whether your chicken thighs are boneless or bone-in, and whether they have skin on or are skinless. The size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer will also affect the cooking time.

Chicken thighs are typically cooked in an air fryer at a temperature of between 375°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of chicken thighs you are using.

For boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cook at 400°F for 11-15 minutes. You do not need to flip these during the cooking time.

For bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, the cooking time will be a little longer. Cook these at 400°F for 12 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 7-12 minutes.

You can also cook chicken thighs in the air fryer at a lower temperature of 375°F. For this, you will need to cook them for 12 minutes skin-side down, then turn them over and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the skin is crispy.

You can tell if your chicken thighs are cooked by checking that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. You can do this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The juices should also run clear when the chicken is cooked through.

If you are cooking frozen chicken thighs, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. One source suggests cooking frozen chicken thighs for the full recipe cook time of 24 minutes and then checking them with a thermometer. Then, if they are still under 165°F, add 2-3 minutes and check again.

Spices and seasonings

A simple yet effective combination of spices includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs such as oregano or Italian seasoning. You can also add sweet paprika instead of smoked for a slightly different flavour profile. This basic spice mixture allows the natural flavours of the chicken to shine through without being overpowering.

If you want to add a little extra kick to your chicken thighs, you can include some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder. For a more complex flavour profile, try adding some lemon zest or Parmesan cheese to your spice mixture. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different spice blends, such as curry powder, brown sugar, or Italian seasoning.

For a more subtle flavour, you can simply season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. This will allow the natural taste of the chicken to come through without any additional spices.

Remember, the beauty of cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is that you can easily customise the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. So, feel free to experiment with different combinations and find your perfect blend!

How to serve

There are many ways to serve air-fried chicken thighs. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes

You can serve the chicken with a simple veggie side dish or salad, such as roasted broccoli, air-fried zucchini, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potatoes, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a big green salad and a veggie on the side, like roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans. They'd also go well with a quinoa salad, tomato soup, or pasta. If you're looking for something more substantial, try cauliflower Mac and cheese, keto green beans with bacon, or a broccoli salad.

Variations

You can also experiment with different variations of the chicken thighs themselves. For example, you can make Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs by adding 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to your spice mixture. Or, for a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. If you're feeling adventurous, try a curry powder or garlic butter variation.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight and reheat them in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.

Frequently asked questions